This was quite an emotional experience for the team. Arpan is a non-profit that serves disabled kids who would otherwise be left on the street. Because the government is taxed with more widespread problems like polio and infections, its organizations like this that serve these polpulations. Cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome and other conditions keep these kids out of normal schools and pose a significant burden onto their families who are just getting by as it is. The teachers get paid a little - like $100 a month, but clearly this is a job that's done more for love than money.

Nearly everything in the facility is donated. The older kids who have capped out of their ability to progress further in school,make gift bags, cards and paint candle holders and other things to earn some money. Part of the funds go to the center and part to the kids, who were never expected to earn anything, so it's quite an accomplishment for them

. I bought several (like $4 worth) and plan to talk to some fair-trade stores about buying them back home.

After to tour, we exited only to find all the kids outside waiting for us. Some of the older ones dance for us and one girl with palsy recited the Gita. Then, some of the other palsied kids walked to us and gave us each a rose and bag filled with things thay had made - there was not a dry eye among us.

Then, a "normal" boy decided to share his birthday happiness by bringing cake to the whole school! That's an idea to take home............